Century High School student dies after fall in school gym

A Century High School senior fell out of his wheelchair in the campus gym during an adaptive physical education class Tuesday and later died from a medical emergency caused by the fall, according to the Hillsboro School District.

Gabriel Owens, 17, was a student in the school’s Life Skills Program, which includes students with disabilities, said Beth Graser, a school district spokeswoman. She said she couldn’t disclose what led to Owens’ death.

Owens died after being taken to a hospital, she said.

Support was offered for students Wednesday. Graser said she didn’t have any information on when Owens’ memorial service would be.

“Gabe was a very special person who was well-known and liked by students and staff,” Principal Martha Guise said in a letter to families. “We are all grieving his loss and will need to support one another through this difficult time.”

Adaptive physical education classes are for students whose physical or mental disabilities require accommodations, Graser said. She declined to identify the teacher who led Tuesday’s class. The district’s website lists three adaptive physical education teachers, all based at the district’s central office.

Update, 12/7: This story has been updated with more information regarding the physical education class.